Michigan

Heather Watson of England celebrates after winning the finals match against Ksenia Pervak of Russia during the Dow Corning Tennis Class at the Midland Community Tennis Center.
(Neil Barris | MLive.com)

MIDLAND, MI — The Midland Community Tennis Center is holding a celebration for its 40th anniversary Friday, May 16 from 4:30-to-6 p.m.

“The success we have enjoyed through the years and the impact we have been able to make is just extraordinary,” said Executive Director Mike Woody. “We are grateful for the unwavering support from the entire community and invite everyone to come out and celebrate with us.”

The celebration will include activities, prizes, free t-shirts for the first 750 in attendance, dinner and a surprise guest speaker. It’s free and open to the public.

The facility opened in 1974 with six courts and 700 members and has grown to include 40 hard and clay courts, 30 tennis pros and more than 3,000 members, in addition to hosting the Dow Corning Tennis Classic professional tournament.

In 2009, Midland was named the United States’ Best Tennis Town.

The center is offering free adult tennis lessons all week from May 12-18.

Cory Butzin covers sports for MLive/Saginaw News. Email
him at cbutzin1@mlive.com or follow him on Twitter.